Public sector divide could hurt campaign

Rifts between public sector unions could see talks with Government lose momentum.

Discussions are stalled over slashing of the public sector bill in December's Budget.

Today thousands of frontline staff will take to the streets of Dublin city to demonstrate their opposition to cuts.

It is now unlikely a one-day public service strike on November 24 will be averted.

Employment Specialist Gerry Flynn said such action is "inevitable".

Mr Flynn said: "The so-called trajectory towards a strike or a one-day stoppage at the end of the month has been inevitable for the last two or three weeks - especially since IMPACT union voted by 86% in favour of industrial action.

"What Peter McLoone is doing is trying to bring back a sense of unity of purpose between the various public sector unions that have been quite divided."